This is an outdoor course oriented to the student?s immediate application of classroom knowledge in a wilderness setting. It is designed to launch the student upon a lifelong journey of reading the stories that are written in the earth with each passing day. Successive aspects of track and soil mechanics are introduced and then reinforced and complimented by field experience in the UVM Jericho Research Forest. Students will receive tools to enhance their awareness of the presence of wildlife through their tracks, to classify and identify tracks by species and, in the process, learn as much about themselves as the landscape and creatures they are tracking. Goals: 1. Open the huge novel that is left every time a foot hits the ground ? the disturbances to the natural baseline, the source of the disturbances, and the creature?s interaction with the earth. 2. Synthesize the students? collection of skills that have been learned in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities at the University of Vermont through their application to tracking. 3. Kindle a more intimate relationship with the earth and deeper connection to the global community.

There are no prerequisites for this course and it does not assume nor require that the student have any background, experience, or education in tracking. Students are simply asked to exhibit an open mind, positive attitude, thirst for knowledge, and respect for others. Anyone can become a tracker. Preparation and Participation ? One to two hour outdoor excursions from the onsite classroom for examination of tracks will require moderately easy hiking in seasonable weather conditions in the hills of the research forest. Students are expected to dress accordingly. There is an hour breaks for lunch. Students are responsible for their transportation to UVM Jericho Research Forest (address is 127 Tarbox Road, Jericho, VT 05465). Ride sharing is encouraged, but not guaranteed.

25% Attendance and participation 25% 1st Journal Assignment 25% 2nd Journal Assignment 25% Quiz Total 100%